Disney News

Disney Fantasy™ Christening Party

by: Magic Makers Kim Marko and Megan Caceres

From the moment that you walked into the port you could feel the excitement…it was a true celebration Disney Cruise Line® style for their newest cruise ship, the Disney Fantasy™.

On March 1^st, 2012, for the first time ever, New York City played host to the Christening of Disney Cruise Line’s® newest cruise ship the Disney Fantasy™. Magical Pier 88 will be the port for the outgoing cruises on the Disney Magic® this summer and fall.

We started our adventure by picking up our credentials which included the evening’s itinerary as well as our dining “rotation.” Stopping for pictures before walking the red carpet had us both smiling but nothing in our wildest dreams could explain the feeling as we walked into the Atrium and saw the big champagne bottle surrounded by guests, and Disney Cruise Line® cast members welcoming us with appetizers and champagne but the most thrilling feeling was seeing everyone’s excitement in being there for this amazing event.

We were soon called to the Walt Disney Theater where we were entertained by Disney Fantasy’s™ entertainment cast who gave us a highlight of the wonderful shows that will be appearing on the Disney Fantasy™; Aladdin (from Disneyland® Resort), Believe (from Disney Dream™), and a new production just for Disney Fantasy™, Wishes. Our host for the evening was Neil Patrick Harris who entertained us along with the cast. He was joined by Jerry Seinfeld who provided the comedy and Heather Headley who dazzled us with her amazing voice as she sang songs from Tangled, and The Lion King.

There was quite a lineup of New York based celebrity guests, including Tim Gunn, Ty Pennington, Alan Cummings, Meredith Veira, Nancy Grace, Mayor Bloomberg, and Bob Iger. After a wonderful show, which only had us wanting to book immediately we were then ushered into the Atrium for the Christening Ceremony. Robert Iger and Karl Holz were joined by the crew of the ship, Mickey Mouse
As Mariah sent her blessings to the ship, the crew, and all who would sail aboard this magnificent ship, confetti rained down upon us and spontaneous exuberance filled the room….it was definitely a moment I will never forget.and the Godmother of the Disney Fantasy™, Mariah Carey. Mariah’s husband Nick Canon and Minnie took over the duty outside the ship and we started the countdown…

After the momentous event the guests headed to the respected dining location for the evening. We were seated at the Royal Court, such a beautiful restaurant and we spent time getting to know our table guests.

The menu was a variety of delectable appetizers, entrees and desserts combined from the wonderful menus of the Disney Fantasy’s™ dining locations. Our appetizers were a sampler of Iced Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp, Smoked Salmon Tartare and Ahi Tuna and Avocado. We then had choices of Mushroom Glazed Portobello, Roasted Duck, Pan Seared Sea Bass, Rack of Lamb or a Grilled Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Tail. If that was not enough our dessert sampler of Celebration Cake, Tahitian Vanilla Crème Brulee and Mini Lava Cake was proof of the wonderful menus that await those cruising on the Disney Fantasy™.

Once we finished our meal and rolled out of the Royal Court guests dispersed and found themselves touring this amazing ship and visiting the after party in the Europa Entertainment District.

We found ourselves wandering the ship from the pool to the spa (I think it was about at this point that we thought stowing away might be a great idea). The spa…can we say that who would want to never leave this wonderful place. We toured the Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab, Vibe and Edge…and throughout the tour you could hear the oohs and aahs from everyone as we went from area to area.

The night finally had to come to a close…as all good things do, but as we were leaving we were given some mementos from the night, but even without the mementos this wonderful experience was the best gift in itself. We will never forget our party with Mickey about the wonderful Disney Fantasy™.

The Disney Fantasy™ will take her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. It’s not too late to join the Disney Fantasy™ for one of the inaugural voyages. Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning!

*Image of Royal Court is Walt Disney Imagineering Concept Art

“Soft Opening” of Storybook Circus at Magic Kingdom® Park

Some of Monday’s guests at Magic Kingdom® Park were among the first to experience parts of Storybook Circus! This “soft opening” brought one carousel of Dumbo the Flying Elephant®, a re-themed Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini, and the Fantasyland Station of the Walt Disney World® Railroad to life and gave us a taste of what to expect for the rest of the expansion.

The Dumbo the Flying Elephant® attraction has received a new water feature at its base that sparkles and shines at night. When completed, Dumbo the Flying Elephant® will double its capacity with two carousels – the new one spinning clockwise while the old one will continue to fly counter-clockwise.

“The Barnstormer, Featuring The Great Goofini” is a family roller coaster taking you on the twists and turns of Goofy’s aerial acrobatics stunt show for the big top!

When complete, the Storybook Circus area will also have a Casey Jr. splash area.

Through this “soft opening” stage, Storybook Circus will not hold regular park hours, but will be open intermittently. This area of Storybook Circus is expected to officially open to the public by the end of March.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 14th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney World Fantasyland, Fantasyland Expansion, Storybook Circus|0 Comments

Pre-Summer Room Only Savings at Disneyland Resort

This offer is no longer valid. Please click here to view all current Disneyland® Resort specials.

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Disneyland® Resort in sunny Anaheim. You can save up to 25%* on most stays Sun-Thu night at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun 9, 2012. Other discounts are available for Fri & Sat nights.

Offer Details:

Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

Save 25% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 20% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Disneyland® Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Save 20% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 15% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Booking & Travel Windows:

Book this offer now – May 26, 2012 for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun. 9, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by Jun. 10, 2012.

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining
and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

*Savings of up to 25% on Sunday through Thursday night stays is based on the non-discounted price for the same room at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel on most nights from April 16, 2012 to June 9, 2012. Offer is valid when booked between March 13, 2012 and May 26, 2012. Travel must be completed by June 10, 2012. Offer not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Check for offers for different hotels and room types. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 13th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Pre-Summer Room Only Savings at Disneyland Resort

This offer is no longer valid. Please click here to view all current Disneyland® Resort specials.

Spring is the perfect time to visit the Disneyland® Resort in sunny Anaheim. You can save up to 25%* on most stays Sun-Thu night at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland® Resort for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun 9, 2012. Other discounts are available for Fri & Sat nights.

Offer Details:

Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel

Save 25% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 20% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Disneyland® Hotel or Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa

Save 20% off a room-only reservation most Sun-Thu nights, or save 15% off a room-only reservation most Fri-Sat nights

Booking & Travel Windows:

Book this offer now – May 26, 2012 for arrivals Apr. 16 – Jun. 9, 2012. Travel on this offer must be completed by Jun. 10, 2012.

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining
and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

*Savings of up to 25% on Sunday through Thursday night stays is based on the non-discounted price for the same room at Disney’s Paradise Pier® Hotel on most nights from April 16, 2012 to June 9, 2012. Offer is valid when booked between March 13, 2012 and May 26, 2012. Travel must be completed by June 10, 2012. Offer not valid on suites or with previously booked rooms. Excludes applicable taxes and fees. Check for offers for different hotels and room types. Advance reservations required. Subject to availability as the number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Limit two (2) rooms per reservation and five (5) people maximum per room. Not valid in combination with any other hotel discounts or offers. Subject to restrictions and change without notice.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 13th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Expired Specials|Tags: Disneyland, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Specials, Disneyland Specials 2012, Disneyland Spring Special|0 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Events Set at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts

Put on some green and go celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at the Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort! Some of this weekend’s scheduled events include:

Walt Disney World® Resort

Enjoy authentic Irish cuisine on Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. as celebrity Irish chef Kevin Dundon creates a four-course kickoff luncheon and culinary demonstration in the Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant’s Grand Dining Room.

Mar. 15 and 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Irish bands Murphy’s Law and The Irish Rogues perform on the patio at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant. At 7 p.m., house band Creel rocks the restaurant’s main stage.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the fun begins at 11 a.m. House band Creel performs on the main stage at noon and again at various times throughout the day. Entertainment on the patio kicks off at 1 p.m. with Irish dancing from The Raglan Road Dancers and performers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing. U2 tribute band Elevation will perform renditions of U2-s greatest hits. A $10 cover charge applies on March 17 for guests 18 and older.
Other weekend festivities spanning Pleasure Island will include performances by The Wyndbreakers — Florida’s own “neo-traditional, pub-rockin’, guitar pickin’ Celtic” musicians; Celtic Wave, with its own traditional Irish flair; and Celtic Nova, putting its own twist on popular lrish tunes. Family-fun activities will include face painting and stilt walkers, and St. Patrick’s Day souvenirs will be in abundance.

Disneyland® Resort

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® will celebrate with green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish coffee. Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans will perform 7–11 p.m. in the Flambeaux Room. Jazz Kitchen Express will be serving corned beef and cabbage slaw Po’boys for those on-the-go.
At Uva Bar, enjoy Irish-inspired food and beer including Guinness beer and Irish cheddar dip, potato leek soup, black-and-tan battered fish and chips, corned beef boxty, and a mouth-watering milk chocolate Guinness cake!
House of Blues® Restaurant will hold their 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Slam featuring Street Dogs w/ Devil’s Brigade, Muder the Stout, and Old Man Markley. Feast on Irish nachos, Lucky Fish Tacos or Guinness Stew, and top off your meal with a scrumptious Bailey’s Irish marble cheesecake.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 13th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Disneyland News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Irish Restaurant, Raglan Road, St. Patrick's Day, St. Patrick's Day Events, St. Patty's Day|0 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Events Set at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts

Put on some green and go celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at the Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort! Some of this weekend’s scheduled events include:

Walt Disney World® Resort

Enjoy authentic Irish cuisine on Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. as celebrity Irish chef Kevin Dundon creates a four-course kickoff luncheon and culinary demonstration in the Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant’s Grand Dining Room.

Mar. 15 and 16, beginning at 6 p.m. Irish bands Murphy’s Law and The Irish Rogues perform on the patio at Raglan Road™ Irish Pub and Restaurant. At 7 p.m., house band Creel rocks the restaurant’s main stage.

On St. Patrick’s Day, the fun begins at 11 a.m. House band Creel performs on the main stage at noon and again at various times throughout the day. Entertainment on the patio kicks off at 1 p.m. with Irish dancing from The Raglan Road Dancers and performers from the Watters School of Irish Dancing. U2 tribute band Elevation will perform renditions of U2-s greatest hits. A $10 cover charge applies on March 17 for guests 18 and older.
Other weekend festivities spanning Pleasure Island will include performances by The Wyndbreakers — Florida’s own “neo-traditional, pub-rockin’, guitar pickin’ Celtic” musicians; Celtic Wave, with its own traditional Irish flair; and Celtic Nova, putting its own twist on popular lrish tunes. Family-fun activities will include face painting and stilt walkers, and St. Patrick’s Day souvenirs will be in abundance.

Disneyland® Resort

Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen® will celebrate with green beer, corned beef and cabbage, and Irish coffee. Kenny Sara and the Sounds of New Orleans will perform 7–11 p.m. in the Flambeaux Room. Jazz Kitchen Express will be serving corned beef and cabbage slaw Po’boys for those on-the-go.
At Uva Bar, enjoy Irish-inspired food and beer including Guinness beer and Irish cheddar dip, potato leek soup, black-and-tan battered fish and chips, corned beef boxty, and a mouth-watering milk chocolate Guinness cake!
House of Blues® Restaurant will hold their 2nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Slam featuring Street Dogs w/ Devil’s Brigade, Muder the Stout, and Old Man Markley. Feast on Irish nachos, Lucky Fish Tacos or Guinness Stew, and top off your meal with a scrumptious Bailey’s Irish marble cheesecake.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 13th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Savings for Adventures by Disney® Adventure Insiders

This special offer has expired. Please click here to see all current Adventures by Disney® specials

Now is the time for past guests of Adventures by Disney® to save on an upcoming adventure!

Members of the Adventures by Disney® Adventure Insiders program who have traveled on two or more Adventures by Disney® vacations between Jan. 1, 2005 and Mar. 1, 2012 are eligible to receive $200 off* per reservation on their next Adventures by Disney® vacation. Pack your bags and let your adventure begin!

Booking Window:
Mar. 1 – May 22, 2012

Travel Window:
May 22, 2012 – Mar. 31, 2013

*Adventure Insiders program members who have traveled on at least two (2) Adventures by Disney vacations between 1/1/05 and 3/1/12 will receive $200 off per reservation when booking a new Adventures by Disney departure at the non-discounted Regular Rate between 3/1/12 and 5/22/12 for travel between 5/22/12 and 3/31/13. Excludes specialty departures and the “Lights, Camera, Magic…” itinerary. Valid on new bookings only. Land packages are subject to availability. Subject to verification of enrollment in the Adventure Insiders program and confirmation of the completion of two (2) previous Adventures by Disney trips between 1/1/05 and 3/1/12. Lead guest on the reservation must travel on the land package booked. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply, subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. Offer valid for US residents only. Offer subject to the terms and conditions of the Adventure Insider Program which can be found at www.adventureinsiders.com. Valid for U.S. residents only.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 12th, 2012|Categories: Adventures by Disney News, Disney News, Expired Specials|Tags: Adventures, Adventures by Disney, Adventures by Disney Specials|0 Comments

Savings for Adventures by Disney® Adventure Insiders

This special offer has expired. Please click here to see all current Adventures by Disney® specials

Now is the time for past guests of Adventures by Disney® to save on an upcoming adventure!

Members of the Adventures by Disney® Adventure Insiders program who have traveled on two or more Adventures by Disney® vacations between Jan. 1, 2005 and Mar. 1, 2012 are eligible to receive $200 off* per reservation on their next Adventures by Disney® vacation. Pack your bags and let your adventure begin!

Booking Window:
Mar. 1 – May 22, 2012

Travel Window:
May 22, 2012 – Mar. 31, 2013

*Adventure Insiders program members who have traveled on at least two (2) Adventures by Disney vacations between 1/1/05 and 3/1/12 will receive $200 off per reservation when booking a new Adventures by Disney departure at the non-discounted Regular Rate between 3/1/12 and 5/22/12 for travel between 5/22/12 and 3/31/13. Excludes specialty departures and the “Lights, Camera, Magic…” itinerary. Valid on new bookings only. Land packages are subject to availability. Subject to verification of enrollment in the Adventure Insiders program and confirmation of the completion of two (2) previous Adventures by Disney trips between 1/1/05 and 3/1/12. Lead guest on the reservation must travel on the land package booked. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply, subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited. Offer valid for US residents only. Offer subject to the terms and conditions of the Adventure Insider Program which can be found at www.adventureinsiders.com. Valid for U.S. residents only.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:10-05:00March 12th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

Step Inside the Royal Guest Rooms

This weekend, the new Royal Guest Rooms over at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside welcomed their first guests. These Royal Guest Rooms are just one of the many Story Rooms that are being added at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The Royal Guest Rooms are quarters befitting the Kings and Queens of the family—as well as the Princes and Princesses. Remarkable décor and rich details place your family right in the middle of classic Disney stories. Guests will find magical surprises including custom drapes and linens, ornately decorated beds-and headboards that glitter with a fiber optic “fireworks” display. The Royal Guest Rooms are majesty and fun all rolled into one!

Enjoy a video tour of these new rooms

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast,
so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:11-05:00March 11th, 2012|Categories: Disney News, Walt Disney World News|Tags: Disney Story Rooms, Disney World Royal Guest Suites, Royal Guest Rooms, Story Rooms|0 Comments

Step Inside the Royal Guest Rooms

This weekend, the new Royal Guest Rooms over at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside welcomed their first guests. These Royal Guest Rooms are just one of the many Story Rooms that are being added at the Walt Disney World® Resort.

The Royal Guest Rooms are quarters befitting the Kings and Queens of the family—as well as the Princes and Princesses. Remarkable décor and rich details place your family right in the middle of classic Disney stories. Guests will find magical surprises including custom drapes and linens, ornately decorated beds-and headboards that glitter with a fiber optic “fireworks” display. The Royal Guest Rooms are majesty and fun all rolled into one!

Enjoy a video tour of these new rooms

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast,
so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.

By Off to Neverland Travel|2017-06-27T10:23:11-05:00March 11th, 2012|Categories: Disney News|0 Comments

The Disney Fantasy™ will take her maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. It’s not too late to join the Disney Fantasy™ for one of the inaugural voyages. Contact your Magic Maker® today to start planning!

Offer Details:

Booking & Travel Windows:

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

Offer Details:

Booking & Travel Windows:

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

Enjoy a video tour of these new rooms

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast, so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.

Enjoy a video tour of these new rooms

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast, so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining
and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

Be sure to ask your Magic Maker® about adding Disney Character Dining
and Disneyland® Resort Theme Park tickets to your reservation.

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast,
so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.

The Royal Guest Rooms at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside are filling up fast,
so contact your Magic Maker® today to check on availability.